Media Release | 7 July 2025
Peter Rundle MLA
Shadow Minister for Water
Shadow Water Minister Peter Rundle MLA has condemned the Cook Labor Government following another serious sewage spill into the Swan River – the second in just weeks – calling for a full audit of the state’s wastewater infrastructure to prevent further environmental disasters.
“It’s completely unacceptable that raw sewage has made its way into the Swan River yet again. The Cook Labor Government and Water Corporation must provide answers.” Mr Rundle said.
“This isn’t just an infrastructure failure – it’s a serious public health and environmental threat. Families and communities have been exposed to human waste, and the public is being told to stay away from one of Perth’s most iconic natural assets.”
The latest burst wastewater main in Caversham caused three overflows into the river after crews encountered technical issues during repairs. It follows another major spill in Beaconsfield last month, which saw sewage flood homes and parks.
“It’s ironic that while we were asking questions about the last spill in Budget Estimates, another pipe was bursting in Caversham. The Government needs to get back to basics and immediately audit the sewerage network to identify weaknesses.”
Mr Rundle said the State Government’s failure to maintain critical water infrastructure is especially galling given their recent $2.4 billion budget surplus.
“While Labor boasts about multi-billion-dollar surpluses, we’re seeing essential services like sewerage fall apart – it begs the question: where is the money for water infrastructure going?”
“Water Corporation continues to underpin the State Budget with hundreds of millions in dividends, yet can’t maintain basic sewerage systems.”
“This should be a wake-up call — the community deserves transparency on how water infrastructure is being funded and where it’s falling short.”
“Western Australians deserve better than this.”
ENDS
